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Energy efficiency; consumers demand it and product development teams strive for it. These days, it is also the focus of advertising and packaging designs for nearly all home and industrial equipment. From light bulbs to dishwashers to automobiles, the amount of energy consumed is a major factor in the research and development (R&D) of new products, not to mention their ultimate purchase by the end-user.

Pool heaters are no exception. In fact, the various types of pool heaters on the market are often compared to each other based on energy efficiency. The four available heating technologies in the pool industry are: gas (natural gas or propane), heat pump, electric resistance-style (very few pools use these systems anymore), and solar. It is generally understood that heat pump technology is more energy efficient than gas, while electric resistance-style heaters are less efficient. Solar heating is the most efficient in terms of the cost of generating heat (it is free from the sun), but there are variables in how efficiently water is pumped from the heat source (e.g. roof-mounted panels) to the pool, as well as in the cost of the solar collectors.

That being said, this article will focus on gas heaters as they are the most commonly used for pools and have changed the most over the past 30 years.

As swimming continues to grow as a preferred method of exercise and physical therapy for the young and elderly alike, commercial aquatic facilities continue to experience an increase in patronage year after year. This can be witnessed by the escalating number of people who use pools for water aerobics, muscle strengthening, and water walking/yoga; not to mention traditional swim lessons, and competitive swimming and diving.

Aquatic facility operators and managers need to keep abreast of the many safety products available to keep the pool, deck area, and locker rooms as safe as possible for patrons of all ages and physical abilities. It is important to equip today’s pools with products that help prevent accidents and injury such as padding for dive stands, slides, and water features, slip-resistant flooring for pool decks and locker rooms, properly maintained perimeter grating, and even padding for custom rails and ladders. Renovating aquatic facilities to make them safer benefits staff and patrons. Further, adding these safety products can also provide a facelift for older commercial pools.

For all of the criticism and market pressure brought to bear on traditional chlorination, proponents point out that despite popular concerns and a spectrum of available alternatives, chlorine has remained indispensable for many professionals and consumers alike — a fact that is not likely to change anytime soon.

Maintaining appropriate levels of calcium hardness is a key balance factor in basic recreational water care. Typically, water in a vinyl-lined or fibreglass swimming pool should contain a calcium hardness level of 175 to 225 parts per million (ppm), while the recommended range for plaster-surfaced pools is a little higher at 200 to 275 ppm. In addition, the overall balance of calcium hardness is directly related to other key balancing factors, total alkalinity (TA) and pH. Managing calcium hardness is extremely important due to the problems that can occur if it is not properly controlled.

While portable acrylic hot tubs have dominated the residential market for almost 30 years, pre-manufactured acrylic or other non-concrete commercial hot tub materials have only become popular in the last 10 to 15 years as an increasing number of architects, developers and operators are selecting these products for commercial projects.

The reason for this is their lower upfront costs, integral waterproofing characteristics, lighter weight loads, ease of installation and less upkeep in comparison to traditional concrete commercial hot tubs. However, the growth and acceptance of acrylic and other concrete alternative materials has been a slow process.

While most concrete swimming pool specialists have considerable experience specifying, selling and installing commercial concrete hot tubs, only a small percentage of residential hot tub dealers sell into the commercial market. With a two- to three-year turnaround (from design to completion), along with extended payment terms and multiple contact involvement in the commercial sector, some residential hot tub dealers often pass on this type of business.

As a result, architects and designers (unless successfully approached and marketed by a company experienced in commercial acrylic installations), tend to specify products they are familiar with, i.e. conventional concrete hot tubs.

Tips on breaking the commercial barrier

[2]One of the best ways for an acrylic hot tub manufacturer to overcome the obstacle of entering the commercial hot tub sector is to market its products to the appropriate audience, with the goal of having them specified by an architect.

One of the best ways for an acrylic hot tub manufacturer to overcome the obstacle of entering the commercial hot tub sector is to market its products to the appropriate audience, with the goal of having them specified by an architect. This can be accomplished by consistently advertising commercial acrylic products in magazines and attending trade shows, which cater to architects, designers, developers as well as managers and operators of commercial facilities such as resorts, hotels, health clubs and day/destination spas.

The benefit for a manufacturer in getting its products specified, and listed in the blueprints by an architect, is to make it more difficult—however, not impossible—for a dealer to sell builders a commercial acrylic unit or even a stainless-steel model from another manufacturer.

However, the lack of a dedicated dealer network is a common problem for most commercial acrylic hot tub manufacturers. Unlike the residential market, where a dealer can consistently sell up to several hundred hot tubs a year and in the same time become an expert in all required areas of marketing, sales, installation and service, the average commercial dealer may only quote two or three projects a year. As a result, some dealers who do not do enough commercial business to gain the required experience or knowledge must rely on the manufacturer to provide assistance.

In this sector, manufacturers can easily bring on as many new construction projects to its dealers as the dealer will bring on itself. However, manufacturers rely heavily on its dealers to bring in retrofit orders where they may already have a service relationship with the commercial client (end-user). For example, if a small motel or health club has their hot tub serviced by a local pool or hot tub dealer, they will likely go to that dealer to get a cost estimate on a replacement hot tub as opposed to calling the manufacturer.

In some cases, if the manufacturer is successful in getting its products specified, this can quite often close the sale on behalf of the dealer. Some manufacturers will even ship the pre-plumbed shell, with factory-installed bracing and pre-plumbed equipment package to the dealer or directly to the job site. This allows the dealer or mechanical contractor to simply supply and run the plumbing and perform the startup and training. In most cases, a subcontractor will complete the decking and electrical work.

Future looks positive

Even after the economic downturn experienced last year, one bright sign is the emergence of several dealers who experienced double-digit sales in 2009.

One reason for last year’s positive sales figures, which is also a good sign for future sales, is the fact more concrete hot tub dealers are considering acrylic hot tub units. Instead of passing on the opportunity to sell acrylic hot tubs, these dealers are becoming more open to quoting less-expensive, pre-plumbed hot tubs.

Not too long ago, developers had no problem paying $50,000 for an installed concrete hot tub (including deck and electrical). Today, developers are quite interested in hearing about a product, which includes installation, deck and electrical for approximately $30,000 to $35,000.

Many small condominiums and boutique hotels are being designed with rooftop hot tub locations, with installations favouring lighter, prefabricated acrylic hot tubs. Replacement units, required as a result of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA), have also opened up opportunities for installation of prefabricated commercial units.

Commercial sales to increase

With the limited market for commercial prefabricated acrylic hot tubs and the support expertise required, this sector will not see any drastic changes in the number of manufacturers producing these products. This market is limited because only a small percentage of health clubs, hotels and condominium recreation centres are built on a year-to-year basis in comparison to the residential housing market. However, more dealers should see an increase in commercial sales and as they become more comfortable with the market, sales of prefabricated acrylic or other non-concrete hot tubs will continue to grow, thus increasing market share.

HydroTher Commercial Hot Tubs, a Mississauga, Ont.-based manufacturer of commercial hot tubs, therapy tubs and swim-in-place exercise pools. A Division of PPL Aquatic, Fitness & Spa Group Inc., which specializes in design, construction, service and staffing support for commercial pool and recreational facilities. Contact info@hydrother.com for more information

Not long ago, pool maintenance required a fair amount of personal attention and effort. Managing water chemistry, maintaining the filter, and cleaning the pool and surrounding area were some of the tasks pool owners wanted to minimize in favour of having more time to relax and reap the benefits of their backyard investment.

With the goal to bring affordable, reliable pool and spa access to everyone, Aqua Creek Products offers a range of pool and spa lifts—many of which meet Canadian accessibility requirements for commercial and residential use.

Follow the link below to discover more about the Aquacreek Ranger Pool Lift

It can be disheartening having to cancel yet another pool party because your pool water is green. That green colour you see is caused by algae in your swimming pool. Algae is a plant like organism that can appear as green/blue, a yellow/mustard colour, or black. Let’s take a closer look at what kind of algae may be plaguing your pool.

Green or Blue Pool Algae is the most common swimming pool algae, as it is attracted to unclean areas. It can stick to your liner or free float in the water. This is why it is important to regularly run your filtering system. Luckily it is the easiest algae to remedy: just sanitize and continue regular maintenance around your pool.

Yellow Pool Algae or Mustard Algae is the type of algae that grows on the walls of the swimming pool in spots that don’t get a lot of sun. Often it is assumed that it is sand or pollen because of its colour. This is harder to get rid of as it requires you to super shock your pool.

Black Algae is by far the stinginess of the three, but thankfully it is relatively uncommon. This type of algae comes with a mind of its own, and strong roots. These roots will grow deep into the plaster of pool walls, and will appear even if you are taking care of your pool normally. In order to rid your pool of black algae, find a strong pool brush and scrub, plus super shock your pool until the infestation is gone.

Now that you understand what the types of algae are, it is important to understand why your swimming pool water is green. Basically all this means is that there is algae present, and you may need to shock your pool, as well as start a regular chemical schedule. By running your pool’s pump regularly any remaining bits of algae will find it hard to grow when the water is moving. Algae may also look for a dark place away from circulation, so always give a thorough check around problem areas like under your ladder, your pool steps, any corners or crevices, and so forth.

Let’s take a look on how to rid your pool of algae, so you can fight the heat and get back to your clean, comfortable swimming pool.

1. Shocking Your Pool

This is the least expensive option of the three. Shocking your pool means super chlorinating it. To shock your pool you require a stirring stick, a bucket, and pool shock. If you have a vinyl liner, dissolve shock in bucket prior to adding to the swimming pool. When you shock your pool to fight against algae, it is important to note that there are three different stages of algae in which different amounts of pool shock are needed: light green, dark green, and black green. The shades of green indicate the amount of algae in the pool water.

If your pool water is light green in colour, you will need to double shock your pool. If your pool is 10,000 gallons of water or less, you will need to add 2 single pound bags of shock. If your pool is 20,000 gallons or less add 4 single pound bags, 30,000 gallons or less, add 6 single one-pound bags to your swimming pool.

If your pool water is dark green in colour, this requires triple shocking your pool. Therefore the required amount is 3 one-pound bags of shock/10,000 gallons, as opposed to only two for light green water.

If your pool water is black green in colour, this requires a quadruple shock. This means that you will add another one-pound bag of shock/10,000 gallons of water, meaning that for every 10,000 gallons of water you will require 4 pounds of shock.

Floccing Your Swimming Pool

Floc, aka Flocculant, is a chemical that works by moving all small particles to the bottom of the pool to help you when vacuuming your pool. It is a fast acting way of ridding algae, provided you have done this correctly. This is a relatively inexpensive option, but requires some elbow grease. Here is how to floc your swimming pool:

Shut of your pump and ensure that water is no longer flowing from your filter by putting it into a recirculate or recycling mode.

Add recommended amount of Floc to your pool.

Let the water circulate for about 2 hours to get the chemicals mixed in, then shut it off.

After letting it sit overnight, the chemicals will have all sunk to the floor of the pool. Set your filter onto waste mode and start vacuuming.

Add garden hose to the pool, turning it on while you vacuum the pool. Since you set your filter to waste mode, you will lose pool water.

Continue vacuuming out the bottom of your pool, slowly. As the remaining debris will be thick and dirty. If you are having trouble seeing what you’re doing, shut off your pump and let it resettle. Then proceed to continue vacuuming.

Now that you have finished vacuuming your pool, double shock to make sure all remaining algae and debris is destroyed.

Use Swimming Pool Algaecide

If your swimming pool is prone to algae, using an algaecide as a preventative measure may be another suitable option for continued maintenance. However, there are algaecides that contain algae killers (like copper or silver), and if applied in large doses and mixed with shock, it may be enough to do the trick. Note that because these types of algaecides contain metals, it may cause staining. Another type is called poly quats, which is to be used in small doses, but cause excess foaming in the water. Thus, it is important to carefully read the information on the bottle to select the one that’s right for you.

All in all, when it comes to selecting the best method for ridding your pool of algae it is really up to your own discretion and preference. Pool professionals stand divided on what is the best recommended course of treatment. That is why it is important to educate yourself, know your options, and treat the algae as soon as it infests your swimming pool. The first method is the most common, least expensive option that generally does the trick. Although it may require a couple of tries. The third method is the best method for preventative measures if your pool is prone to algae. The second method requires the most work, but it can also be quick and quite effective.